Matt Ingram and John Whitfield, partners in the Birmingham office of Duff & Phelps, were appointed as joint administrators of the company.

Duff & Phelps said BLTV did not have studio premises or broadcast equipment because of its financial problems.

But strong interest was expected in securing the licence won by BLTV in November 2012.

Former That’s Life host Esther Ranzen was a high-profile name said to be in the frame.

The broadcaster and ChildLine founder is part of the That’s Media group, which has already been awarded six licences in the south.

Mr Ingram said: “BLTV was awarded the licence for Birmingham local television following a lengthy competitive process, overseen by Ofcom.

“Unfortunately, it would appear that, despite having demonstrated a comprehensive programming proposal, the company was unable to secure the necessary funding to get the project off the ground, having been awarded the licence.

“We are aware of considerable interest from a number of local television operators in continuing with the Birmingham area opportunity. We are already engaging with them, and Ofcom, to secure a successful transfer of the licence.”

BLTV was scheduled to fill the vacant Channel 8 slot on Freeview.

But the company always appeared to be struggling to meet a broadcasting deadline of November 6.

Selly Oak Labour MP Steve McCabe had tabled a series of Parliamentary questions over the debacle.